Surround Yourself with Words That Matter—Matters of the Heart

Do you surround yourself with words and messages that matter?

Because what we choose to look at every day—what we read, repeat, and place on our walls or in our hearts—shapes us.

What surrounds us can be matters of the heart.

Whether it’s a phrase taped to your mirror, a verse by the sink, a sign in your house, a book you’ve read, or a handwritten note from someone you love…words matter.

They remind us who we are. And more importantly, who we’re becoming.

Words are a matter of the heart—because what we hold close shapes who we’re becoming.

I noticed it the other day. One of those quiet moments when your eyes land on something you’ve seen a hundred times, but suddenly, it speaks louder.

A small sign from a friend sits on my bookshelf. It says, “Someone out there needs your writing.” Next to it, another that reads, “Work hard and be NICE.” And all around them, a collection of books written by saints and seekers, storytellers and truth-tellers. Books about suffering and surrender, about believing in love, consoling the Heart of Jesus, finding freedom in Christ, and even how to discern and write the memoir you’re meant to share.

I thought about the storytellers and authors whose words line these shelves—and how much their voices have mattered. Then I thought about the millions of words I’ve written. The ones I’ve shared. The ones tucked away in journals and notes on my phone. And the ones now filling pages of projects I’m eager to share—in God’s time.

These days, I’m slowly gathering the words—the ones shaped by family and friendship, marriage and loss, hospitality and suffering, hope and healing. I’m learning how to give them a home. Maybe on the pages of a book. But more than that, as a way to remember, honor, and offer what I’ve lived to those who might need it too.

It made me think—maybe it’s not just about working hard or being nice. Maybe it’s also about being honest. About being faithful. About choosing to live a life that reflects what we believe, even in the hardest seasons.

Maybe it’s sharing the vulnerable, often unspoken words that others are less comfortable—maybe even afraid—to say aloud.
I am not afraid to share hard and holy things.
I am not afraid to share words that make you feel.
I often feel called to speak truth while still giving space for a soft place to land—
to hold both the ache and the hope, the honesty and the healing.

Maybe the signs we place around us aren’t just reminders. Maybe they’re quiet invitations—calls to keep showing up. To write what matters. To believe that someone needs our words.

And maybe, just maybe, the world needs our witness more than we realize, especially when that witness looks like finding hope in suffering or learning how to love our neighbor (and our enemy) as Christ taught. Not in theory, but in action. In how we speak, how we show up, how we stay. Our Gospel today invites us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

But you don’t have to be a writer to need words that carry you. Words matter—for those who are reading, not only writing.

Sometimes it’s the words we read, hear, or quietly hold close that anchor our hearts and gently turn our gaze back to God.

Sometimes, that kind of love begins with what we take in—the words we surround ourselves with, the stories that help us remember what is true, good, and possible.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious… think about these things.”

—Philippians 4:8

That’s the kind of thinking—and living—I want to practice. That’s the kind of heart I want to form. And maybe that’s why the words we surround ourselves with matter so much. Because they point us back to what is lovely and lasting. They become anchors when the world feels unsteady.

Are there words or books in your life right now that help you experience the goodness of God?
The kind that anchor you in truth or gently draw your heart back to hope?

We all need those—words that speak life into weary places and remind us that grace is real and God is near.

So yes, I’ll keep working hard. I’ll keep being kind. I’ll keep surrounding myself with words that lift, ground, and guide me.

And I’ll keep showing up to write the words, the thoughts, the feelings—even if others look away.
Because for those who need to hear it, I am here to stay.

Maybe you’ve been paying attention too. To words that matter. To the quiet lines that steady your heart, especially in seasons of loss or waiting.

The ones that gently remind you that God is still near.

Maybe that’s why I write.

To remember.
To honor.
To offer.
Because stories—ours and others’—make us more alive.

They help us carry truth.
And sometimes, they carry us.

Like Madeleine L’Engle says: “Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.”

I believe this to be true. Because words are a matter of the heart.

“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.”

—Madeleine L’Engle

I’ve been slowly working on something more—a book filled with the words and stories that have shaped me. It’s still unfolding, but I’m showing up to write it, one honest line at a time.

What would you want to read from me if I were to write a book?

I invite you to comment on the post and reach out and share your thoughts—I’d truly love to know.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”—Matthew 12:34b

“Words are a matter of the heart—because what we hold close shapes who we’re becoming.”

Heather lebano

A Few Books and Notes I’ve Kept Close Lately

–The Bible
–Believe in Love by Fr. Jean C.J. d’Elbée
–Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe
-The Way of Trust and Love (St. Thérèse of Lisieux + Fr. Jacques Philippe)
–Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley
–Finding Freedom in Christ by Dr. Matt Breuninger
– Cloud of Witnesses — a collection of 25 stories from Catholic writers (including mine) about how a saint touched their life. You can find it in my shop
– Handwritten notes from friends, tucked into corners of home
– A few signs I’ve made or received over the years that remind me why I keep showing up

These are just a few of the words I return to—the ones that steady, soften, and stretch me.
They help me experience the goodness of God, even in the waiting.

I don’t take it lightly that you’re here, reading these words.
If there are phrases or prayers that have stayed with you, I’d be honored to know them.

You’re always welcome to share a favorite quote, a book that anchored you, or even just a word that’s carrying you right now in the comment or send me a note.